A Few Hikes To Start Off The New Year

If exercising more was one of your New Year's resolutions, you're in luck this week. Several scheduled hikes throughout Connecticut will get you off the couch and into the fresh air. (Dress appropriately for weather and proper footwear for conditions.)

>> The East Windsor American Heritage River Commission hosts its fifth annual New Year's Day hike Thursday at Scantic River State Park, Broad Brook, from 1 to 3 p.m. on a 2.5 mile loop trail. The hike steps off in the parking area at end of Melrose Road, Broad Brook. Some parts of the trail include log bridge crossings and hilly terrain. Donations will be collected for a local food pantry (human and pet items). Email: ahriver@sbcglobal.net

>> All are welcome for a New Year's Hike with Sierra Club Thursday. Meet at 1:30 p.m. at Sessions Woods, Route 69, Burlington, for a three-mile easy hike with moderate sections that include a beaver pond, waterfall, and tower with views. Meet at gravel parking lot at end of driveway on right. Inclement weather postpones to Saturday. Information: 860-416-0081.

>> Essex Land Trust's is offering a hike Saturday at 9 a.m., at Canfield Preserve. Park at the Book Hill Woods Road entrance. Shared by Deep River and Essex, Canfield Meadow Woods is made up of 300 acres of hilly, forested land with a wide variety of terrain. Seventeen trails wind through mixed old-and new growth forest and the preserve's many rocky outcroppings are a highlight. Free. All ages welcome. Information: essexlandtrust.org.

>> The White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield is offering two walks on Saturday, Jan. 3. The first, at 10 a.m., is a Llama Walk with Deb Elias from Country Quilt Llama Farm. Meet in the museum parking lot. The cost is $15 and a portion of the fee will be donated to the Conservation Center. Register at 860-248-0355 or email countryquiltllamafarm@gmail.com. The second walk, at 1 p.m., is a winter walk along the Lake Trail and Butternut Brook Trail with Marlow Shami. Meet in front of the A.B. Ceder Room. Free, but donations will be accepted. Information: 860-567-0857.